On Toronto Maple Leafs pending free agent James van Riemsdyk …
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: The 28-yeard old James van Riemsdyk is now up to 33 goals on the season. JvR is now the leading goal scorer among pending unrestricted free agents.
“It’s one of those things where sure, you’d like to know what’s going on, but at the same time you realize it’s out of your control so you try to stay confident,” van Riemsdyk said. “It makes it easier when you’re on a team like this, it’s a special group of guys and a special group of players. You don’t know how many chances you’re going to have to play on a team like this. You make sure you’re taking care of that, first and foremost.’’
One Eastern Conference executive thinks that JvR will be “in serious demand.” If a team gives him seven years, he’ll still be 35 years old.
Another Eastern Conference executive said that van Riemsdyk is more of a support guy and won’t generate the offense on his own.
Recent comparable free agent wingers:
Alexander Radulov – five years with a $6.25 million cap hit. Basically signed at 31 years old.
Kyle Okposo – seven years with a $6 million cap hit. Was 27 years old when he signed.
Cam Atkinson – seven years with a $5.875 million cap hit. The deal kicks in next year and he’ll 29 years old.
T.J. Oshie – eight years with a $5.75 million cap hit. He signed the deal when he was 30 years old.
Loui Eriksson – six years with a $6 million cap hit. He was 30 years old when he signed the deal.
Patrick Marleau – three years with a $6.25 million salary cap hit. He was 37 years old when he signed the deal.
The Eastern Conference executive thinks van Riemsdyk could get six or seven years at $6.5 million a season, maybe more.
JvR’s preference is to remain with the Maple Leafs.
The Maple Leafs will be likely looking to sign Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner to extensions this offseason, so van Riemsdyk is likely gone.
Could Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello clear out some salary this offseason to find room for JvR?
TSN: Mark Roe and Craig Button were talking on TSN 1050 Leafs Lunch about the top landing spots for pending UFA James van Riemsdyk. Button doesn’t include the Leafs. For JvR to remain with the Maple Leafs, he would likely have to leave money on the table.
Edmonton Oilers – Could play with Connor McDavid and would help their power play.
Carolina Hurricanes – The Hurricanes need scoring help. They’ve got some young guys but could use a winger with size and presence.
New Jersey Devils – Have the cap room and young centermen. Would play behind Taylor Hall.
Buffalo Sabres – Roe brings up the Sabres, with Button saying the last place he’d sign is with Buffalo, but later changes his tone. He would be a good fit there though.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Have some cap space coming off the books and could use some power play help.
Arizona Coyotes – Would they spend the money? They are a team moving in the right direction.